Farms at over 170kg of organic N/ha must comply with new nitrates regulations

Low emission slurry spreading compulsory after April 15 next

Low emission slurry spreading technology must be used from April 15 next by farmers operating at over 170kg of organic N/ha, and not availing of the nitrates derogation.

Farmers have been given a revised timeframe to switch to low emission slurry spreading (LESS) technology, and details of other compulsory measures to protect water quality have been clarified.

It has been confirmed that farmers operating at over 170kg of organic N per hectare, and who currently do not avail of the nitrates derogation, must comply with new regulations on lime spreading and the crude protein in concentrates, from January 1 next.